Are you nearing the end of your pregnancy and wondering what to pack in your hospital bag? Great question! What you pack in your hospital bag can make the difference of a positive or negative experience, so make sure you aren't packing last minute! If you are in your last 10 weeks, “what to pack in your hospital bag,” should be a priority!
One of my favorite deal sites constantly has hospital bag items that are on this “what to pack in your hospital bag” list! Check out these categories to see what they have: maternity deals , nursing deals, baby deals
Pregnant? Be sure to check out our Ultimate Pregnancy Guide for lots of great tips and ideas!
At home with the kids? Instantly access any of these printable activity bundles to keep them learning!
*Quick Money-Saving Tip: If you haven't already paid for a birthing class at the hospital, DON'T! You can do this course online for cheaper, and it's more in depth! It's done by my friend who is a labor and delivery nurse, and she really knows what she's talking about! Check it out here!
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: for Mom
- Hospital Gown With my first, I wondered if I would feel silly bringing my own hospital gowns, but I ended up being so grateful and am still packing them for my 3rd. I've also had several friends borrow them. Here's why they rock: I wore the normal hospital gown for birth, but it was so nice to put on something else afterwards. My particular gowns still allowed all the access points for hospital staff, and even had snaps in the front for nursing. However, instead of just tying in the back, they snapped so that I felt comfortable getting up and going to the bathroom when I had visitors (no bum flashing). They are also super cute for taking pictures with (I got mine here).
- Slippers. You'll want a comfy pair of slippers for roaming the halls of the hospital
- Cheap Waterproof Flip Flops. Why are flip flops AND slippers on the list? Because….you will be showering at a HOSPITAL; and trust me….you DO NOT want to put your bare feet in that shower where other women's vaginal nasties have been free-flowing. Let me just say there were some leftover remnants in my shower from the previous guest. Don't forget the flip flops!
- Grippy Socks
- Pillow. Don't forget this one either! The hospital pillows are not that great. I forgot my pillow for my first and I kept having to ask hospital staff for yet another pillow because their's flatten like pancakes.
- Comfy Clothes. I didn't bring outfits to wear at the hospital because it was easier to just wear my hospital gowns (especially with how often you will end up in the bathroom changing pads, etc.). But you will want something comfy to wear home. Don't be stupid like I was with my first (I brought jeans). Everyone told me to bring what I would normally fit in at 6 months pregnant, so I brought the jeans I was wearing at that time. Big mistake. My hips widened a lot at birth and I couldn't even zip them up. Bring something with a stretchy waist!!!
- PJ's. I slept in my hospital gowns, but if you want your own pajamas, make sure and bring a nursing nightgown, or pajamas that button down the front to make nursing easy.
- Nursing Bra. You will be doing a LOT of nursing, so make sure you have a bra that is made for easy access (that is, if you decide you want to wear a bra at all)!
- Toiletries.
Post Partum Care
The first few items marked with an * are items you can get at the hospital, but you will still want to buy them ahead of time to have at your home when you return. Trust me, you don't want to have to run to the store. Think of everything you possibly can ahead of time.
- Tucks*
- perineal cold packs*
- Boy short Underwear or high waist underwear. Sexy right? Okay, maybe not, but totally necessary for holding those thick pads in place! Remember, tampons are a definite no-no. Those mesh undies at the hospital don't exactly cut it.
- Coconut Oil. With my first baby I used the Lansinoh cream that everyone uses for breastfeeding. I also got Mastitis THREE times. I then read on a blog post somewhere that the Lansinoh cream can actually trap bacteria onto your boob, and that it was much better to use coconut oil with is great for the skin, but also anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. I've been using it since and have never gone back. I also use it on baby's skin. Make sure you get the organic extra virgin kind with no added chemicals. Keep it natural baby!
- Nursing Pads. You can get a set of 8 for free right now using code MN10FREEPADS at breastpads.com (you still have to pay shipping, but it's not bad considering the amount of pads you are getting).
- Nipple Shield. For me this is a MUST and I wish I would have known about it earlier with my first. Breastfeeding can really take some practice to get the hang of it (for mom AND baby), and if your baby isn't nursing good the hospital staff with start supplementing with glucose and formula. With my second, they almost had me stay an extra day in the hospital. I wish I would have had my nipple shield with me! Not only did it take away a lot of the pain for me, but it also helped baby latch on better. It's seriously the best $3-5 I've ever spent and I have made several trips to the store for friends that call me asking for nursing advise. Once you and your baby gets the hang of things, start weaning your baby off it by doing one nursing session a day without it, then two, then 3, and so on.
- Depends. This is another MUST HAVE for me! I know, it doesn't sound pleasant and it does strip down your pride a
little bitLOT to wear them, but they are WONDERFUL for postpartum care! First, your bladder may not be back to normal after wearing a catheter, so it will catch any embarrassing moments in that regard, but also because you have so much blood and junk leaking out of you for several weeks afterwards, that it's nice not to have paranoia that you are leaking through your underwear (because you probably will). - Lip Balm. Birth isn't light work. Chances are your dry lips will be very sad if you forget this item.
- Hair band or elastics. In case you want your hair pulled back during birth or afterwards.
- Camera, cell phone and chargers. If your camera requires batteries, don't forget them! If you will be having anyone attend your birth besides your husband, put them on the task of getting some memorable photos. I was able to capture some really touching ones for my sister, and she is so grateful for them. It portrays both of their reactions holding baby for the first time.
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: for Dad
- Cash and small bills. Most hospitals don't provide food for the dad (or they only provide one meal), so it's a good idea to have some cash and coins on hand in case he wants to make a trip to the vending machine or cafeteria.
- Ipad or Kindle (for you and him). Sometimes labor can be very, very long. Of course he will be giving you lots of attention, but he's going to need a little entertainment during down time or while you are sleeping. Also great for checking emails or watching movies.
- Toiletries
- Snacks. You are going to want to stock up on some good nursing snacks anyway (for all those middle of the night feedings), so it's a good idea to stock up before baby comes and bring some favorites with you to the hospital for you and dad! Some of my favorite nursing snacks include: Boom Chicka Organic Popcorn (the Kettle Corn is soooo addicting), Fruit Leather (this brand), Nature's Bakery Fig Bars, granola bars, Clif Organic Zbars (Oatmeal cookie is my favorite flavor), and this variety pack of nuts. P.S. I ordered all of these items on Boxed. If you like to shop at Costco, they have pretty competitive prices, except it's delivered right to your door with 2-day shipping. They are rocking life for moms!
- New Daddy Gift Basket. Many times when a new baby enters a family, all the focus is on the mom. And the mom's attention is focused on the new baby. It can be normal for new dads to feel a little lost and forgotten. Here's a fun gift basket to put together. You can take it to the hospital with you, have it waiting for him when you get home, or give it to him sometime during baby's first month of life. No matter when you decide to give it, it's best to assemble it now and have it ready to go before you are too exhausted to do so.
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag: for Baby
- Swaddling Blanket. The hospital will wrap baby in a blanket, but it's not the best swaddling blanket. We were always having to re-wrap. You will be fine without one, but I plan to bring a blanket specifically for swaddling. Might also consider bringing one of the muslin newborn swaddles for pictures.
- Going Home Outfit and socks. You might consider bringing a couple different things (one smaller than the other), in case one doesn't fit quite right. Pat Pat is one of my favorite websites for finding adorable (and affordable) going home outfits for baby. Most of the outfits average around $10. Also, If it's your first time using Pat Pat, use code tATW59 for 25% off your first order using this link.
- Baby Hand Mittens. To help keep baby from scratching his/her face.
- Newborn Hat. Again, the hospital will have a newborn cap for your baby to wear, but if you want a special one for pictures, bring it with you.
- Carseat. Can't leave without it 🙂 I recommend installing it in your car once you reach the 3rd trimester, since you won't have any idea when you are going to go into labor and it's one thing you really don't want to be without.
- Carseat Head Support. Make sure your car seat has infant head support since your baby won't be able to hold his/her head up yet and you don't want it slipping down. We forgot with our second baby and called a friend from the parking lot to see if she would bring us one. For our 3rd baby, we got the carseat cover that comes with a matching head support and blanket in minky fabric and I LOVE it so much. Use MNSAVE50 for $50 off the 5-piece set, or for a free carseat cover (plus shipping). I would go with the whole set and get the minky fabric. It's more expensive, but so worth it and probably cheaper than what you could make it for. This is the one I have:
- Binky Clip. Most don't think to bring a binky clip! The hospital will give you a binky for the baby; and If you plan on using it (I have with ALL of my babies and it has NEVER caused nipple confusion), then you should probably bring a binky clip. All it takes is one time dropping that binky on the hospital floor and that binky is as good as gone. Do you know what kind of germs exist on hospital floors? I guess you could always ask the nurses for a new one, but you are going to want a binky clip later anyway, so might as well bring it with you. We use this brand.
- Love Story For Baby Memory Book. If you ended up making one of these “Our Love Story For Baby” memory books, make sure you bring it to the hospital with you so that you can write down some birth memories while they are fresh on your mind!
IS THERE ANYTHING NOT ON THE LIST THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND PACKING IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG?
Ideas for Sibling:
My daughter was 18-months old when our second was born, and I knew she would be ALL OVER the baby. I wanted to get her something to help keep her interest when I needed to pay attention to baby. Something you can do is get a baby doll, and some baby care items, so that they can “care” for their baby at the same time you are. Instead of saying you are busy, you could say “time to change our babies diapers!” or “Time to put our babies down for a nap!” I love the little baby doll wraps and backpacks that allow kids to carry their babies around with them like mommy!
There are lots of fun baby doll care kits out there that come with plenty of items to fed, bathe, and diaper little baby dolls!
Zulily is a great place to look for baby doll stuff too. They seem to always be having some deals on that kind of stuff (also lots of maternity, nursing and postpartum stuff).
Get more ideas from our Ultimate Pregnancy Guide:
I'm six-foot tall mother of three and I'm enjoying the view! I'm currently fighting a battle with Lyme disease and am determined to come out victorious. I enjoy warm summer rain, peanut butter everything, having dance parties with my husband and kids, natural remedies and healthy living. Most days I'm just looking for another excuse to avoid the piles of laundry.
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Katie says
Great list! I had grand plans to make a hospital gown… And then I got too tired 🙂 I want one next time around!!
I’ll have to remember the coconut oil thing. I got mastitis really badly 5 days after Oliver was born, and it almost killed my ability to nurse him. It was rough. My lactation consultant told me the same thing about lanolin and I believe it! Something else that I think is awesome for soreness or pain is breast shells. They help heal cracks because it keeps the nipple away from dampness or from getting irritated from a bra.
Anyways, I agree with everything. Less is more! And yeah… Wish I had brought flip flops.
My hospital didn’t give out pacifiers! Part of the “breastfeeding hospital” initiative. It was weird. None of my kids have had nipple confusion either.
And something I didn’t realize until Oliver was born was that you can request human donor milk if they want to supplement in the hospital! Oliver had borderline low blood sugar levels, and they said I could choose what I wanted if he had to supplement. Thankfully we didn’t, but I was grateful for the option.
Sorry for the long rambly comment. I’m tired 😉
Tina M says
Thanks Katie! I’m off to Amazon to get me some breast shells! And that’s good to know about the supplementing!
Erin Lappin says
We were overwhelmed with a lot of paperwork, paperwork for us to sign and keep for our records, and ‘next steps’ documents that the hospital provided. My husband ended up running out to an office supply store the day after our son was born and bought an expanding file binder so we could keep track of the stack of documents we were accumulating.
kersten says
what brand of hospital gown did u use
Courtney says
Just so you know the car seat cover you’ve listed is highly flammable. And car seat companies tell you not to add anything to the car seat as it can change the way it functions safety wise. Just FYI. For the head support your can use rolled up receiving blankets on the side on the baby. 🙂
Julie Siejack says
Courtney is correct about the car seat addtions. You negate your safety guarantee when you add things to your car seat that didn’t come with the seat. Also, removing infant cushions and such from your seat will put your infant in danger of being ejected from the seat or suffering positional asphyxia.
Amanda says
One thing I want to add. Either double check with your hospital or bring a few of your own pacifiers. Not all hospitals provide them and you’ll want to be prepared.
Jay says
Great list of ideas! Just adding on here that any after market products used in your baby’s car seat (such as car seat head supports or covers that do not come with your seat or are not made by your specific seat’s manufacturer) voids the car seats warranty and can create extra potential risk. A rolled receiving blanket on either side of baby provides the right support for their unsupported heads and necks if needed, and making sure the car seat is installed at the correct angle will help prevent baby’s head from slumping forward.
Clare Kane says
Great list! One thing though, I don’t know how anyone who is breast feeding could go without a bra- even at the hospital!
Louis says
Hey! Loved your list, especially the cute gowns. Where did you get them?
Thanks!
Tina M says
I got them here
callie says
Where did you find the hospital gowns?
Bre says
Great list! I’m with everyone else here about the carseat and avoiding after manufacture products for safety. A rolled up muslin swaddling blanket is great for head and neck support. The coconut oil is awesome for nursing and using prior to pumping to lessen friction. You can also use it on baby’s tush to help make the meconium easier to remove (less baby wipes!). I preferred to bring my son’s own chlorine free diapers and baby wipes and organic bath products. I wanted to begin using the products right there in the hospital and not have him trying different things and potentially dealing with a reaction. I packed thank you cards and gifts for all the nurses (easter candy in Mason jars as my son was born on Palm Sunday) and I think that’s always a nice gesture as nurses are angels and so helpful during your stay. I love the idea of a doll for the sibling, so sweet!!
Sylvia says
I’ll remember the coconut oil idea. I’ve had cracks with 2 of our 3 babies (hopefully not this time too) not to mention one hand biter.
Items I found helpful:
~pen, pencil and notepad: so much fell out of my head that being able to write it down instead was a lifesaver
~extra socks: old navy has these amazing ankle socks with a good elastic. The 0-6 months size fits over tiny feet to keep them inside the sleeper feet. They also double as mitts. And are good actually as socks too 😉
~mindless entertainment: our hospital doesn’t have tv and books were mentally too much work (this, from an avid reader normally). Magazines and maybe colouring pages
Sylvia says
Forgot to add, we had a terrible time with nipple confusion. For mamas who are concerned about that, request that they supply the little medicine cups for cup feeding if they encourage you to supplement. We ended up using them with my pumped milk in hospital.
Cori Bohaannon says
I couldn’t get the link for the hospital gown to work 🙁 where did you get yours from?
Daphne Wohlgemuth says
One thing I tell everyone to bring is some sort of white noise for after baby is born and you need to sleep. The hospital would be deathly quiet, and you could hear every cough, sneeze and cry of everyone on the floor. Nurses pushing carts around kept waking me up, it was terrible.
Genevieve says
A bobby or other nursing pillow is also helpful!
Angela says
That carseat cover is not safe. At all.
Nicole Keener says
My husband and I are thinking about having another one and this time I will pack a hospital back super early. 8 years ago we were living in Korea and I was on the way to my normal check up appointment in Seoul two hours away because I had High Blood pressure. Well my water broke on train No. 2 our of 3. I had literally nothing, no pillow clothes anything nor did I want my husband to leave. He left the next day after my daughter was born but just in Travel time he was gone for 4 hours. I am going to try to be extra prepared for my next one. oh also my phone was dying and I didn’t have a charger thinking I would be home in a couple hours anyways. hahah My daughters birth is such a story lol
Brianna says
For my 1st one we also packed the stroller in the car so when it was time to leave we could click the carseat on top and shove stuff in the bottom of it so I didn’t have to carry anything and just push the stroller out while my husband rolled our suit case. It was also nice to have something to hold onto since my balance was off, I was terrified I was ganna fall and drop the car seat. Definitely ganna use the stroller this time around too!!